Arkansas Business

Tim Bowen

Tim Bowen was born at the hospital that he now runs.

In September 2011, the 28-year-old Bowen became the CEO of 65-bed Mena Regional Health System, and he’s believed to be the youngest hospital CEO in the state.

Bowen started working at the hospital in 2006 as a nuclear medicine technologist, but he said he was fascinated by how the hospital operated. “I’ve always been interested in business,” Bowen said.

So in 2008, while still working at the hospital, Bowen took night classes at John Brown University in Siloam Springs to obtain his MBA. After graduation, Bowen was promoted to assistant administrator and oversaw the hospital’s clinic operations and new business developments.

When the MRHS CEO left in 2011, Bowen was named interim CEO; the promotion then was made permanent. The hospital has about 270 employees and $65 million in total patient revenue.

Under Bowen’s watch, the hospital added orthopedic services, hired two surgeons and renovated patient rooms. “For me, it’s about caring for the patients,” Bowen said of his job.

Away from the hospital, Bowen sits on the boards of the Arkansas Health Executive Forum and the Mena Chamber of Commerce and is active with the American College of Healthcare Executives.